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YANGON, 11 Jan - The Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's Trophy Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Golf Tournament 2003-2004 was held at Tatmadaw Golf Course in Mingaladon Township at 6.30 am yesterday. Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe arrived at the golf course at 10 am and viewed the competitions.
The opening of the tournament was attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myin Swe, the ministers, senior military officers and golfers of 17 teams including offices of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), commands and light infantry divisions.
First, the golfers took their designated places at the opening ceremony.
Before the ceremony, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, General Thura Shwe Mann and party cordially greeted the golfers.
Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and General Thura Shwe Mann teed off smoke balls at the opening ceremony.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, General Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Tin Aye and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha; Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein and Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein; Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung took part in the competitions together with golfers of the 17 teams.
The second and final day events of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's Trophy Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Golf Tournament 2003-2004 was held at Tatmadaw Golf Course in Mingaladon Township at 6.30 am today. Senior General Than Shwe arrived at the golf course at 9.45 am and viewed the competitions.
The final day matches concluded in the evening. The prize presentation ceremony was held at the golf course at 5 pm attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, General Thura Shwe Mann and party, golfers and guests.
Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein presented first, second and third prizes to the Triangle Region Command team with 557 strokes, the South East Command team with 578 strokes and the Northern Command team with 591 strokes in the team handicap event.
Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein presented first, second and third prizes to the Commander-in-Chief (Navy)'s office team with 674 strokes, the Yangon Command team with 712 strokes and the Eastern Command team with 739 strokes in the team scratch event.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint presented first, second and third prizes to Lt Tin Shwe of the Western Command team with 127 strokes, Lt-Col Than Lwin of the Triangle Region Command team with 132 strokes, Maj Zaw Win of the South East Command team with 132 strokes in the individual handicap event.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence presented first, second and third prizes to Maj Khin Zaw Win of the Triangle Region Command team with 152 strokes, Maj Tin Ko Ko of the Northern Command team with 162 strokes, Lt Tin Shwe of the Western Command team with 163 strokes in the individual scratch event.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than presented best par and best birdie prizes to the respective winners.
Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo presented prizes to daily best score golfers in the individual handicap and scratch events.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win presented prizes to longest drive, nearest pin and ateam to the respective winners.
In handicap event, the Triangle Region Command team won the frist prize with 557 and in the scratch event the Commander-in-Chief (Navy)'s office team won the first prize with 674 strokes.
On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant General Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented the trophy to the Triangle Region Command team and the ceremony came to a close.
After the prize presentation ceremony, Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Rear Admiral Soe Thein and Maj-Gen Myat Hein had a documentary photo taken together with golfers of the Triangle Region Command and the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) teams.
After the ceremony, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye cordially greeted the golfers.
Secretary-2 inspects regional development in Kengtung District, Shan State (East)
YANGON, 11 Jan - Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended opening of the new school building for No 6 Basic Education Middle School in Kengtung and opening of the multimedia classrooms held at the school on 9 January morning.
Also present on the occasion were member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, members of the School Board of Trustees, social organizations, teachers and students and local people.
Headmistress Daw Khin Myint Wai and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Kyaw Tint formally opened the signboards of the new school building and multimedia classrooms.
Next, Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein unveiled the signboard to mark the opening ceremony.
Next, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party inspected the computer skills room, the computer aided instruction room, the audio system, the painting room, the domestic science room, the fine arts room and the altar room and teaching and learning of the students.
The second session of opening of the new school building and opening of the multimedia classrooms was held at the meeting hall and eighth grader Ma Hnin Wai Wai Oo, on behalf of the students, spoke words of thanks in English.
Next, Headmistress Daw Khin Myint Wai reported on measures taken for opening the multimedia classrooms and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees, on concerted efforts made for opening the multimedia teaching center.
Afterwards, the Secretary-2 made a speech. He said that the emergence of two-storey new school building will benefit the students in their pursuit of formal education.
He expressed his belief that the parents, local people and students will feel pleased as teachers will be able to teach the students science and technology with the use of modern teaching and learning aids after the emergence of the new school building.
The emergence of the new school building complete with modern teaching and learning aids can be attributed to the earnest efforts of the government and the people.
The government has laid down the education promotion programmes and is implementing them. In this context, the special four-year education plan has been laid down and is being implemented to be able to keep abreast with ASEAN nations. To keep pace with changes and developments, the government has laid down the long-term 30-year education plan and is implementing it.
At a time when science and technology is making progress with greater momentum, the Information Technology (IT) which is based on computers is ranking top. That is why IT is being introduced at the basic education schools. Based on the new school building facilitated with the multimedia classrooms, the students are to try their best to become the outstanding ones capable of serving the interests of the State and the people.
He also urged the teachers to nurture and train their pupils to become intellectuals and intelligentsia on whom the State can rely.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-2 and party had a group photo taken together with teachers and students.
Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party proceeded to Kengtung General Hospital (200-bed) where they were welcomed by the medical superintendent, the specialists and health staff.
Next, the Secretary-2 inspected the medical ward (male), the medical ward (female), the surgical ward, the paediatric ward, the traumatic injury ward and the eye ward and attended to the needs.
At the meeting hall of the hospital, the Secretary-2 and party were reported by the medical superintendent on opening of the hospital on 18 May 2003 and measures taken, raising trust funds for medicines to be used at the hospital, free medical treatment, participation of the people and field trips made by the specialists.
Next, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint gave a supplementary report.
Afterwards, Principal of Kengtung Nursing and Midwifery Training School Dr Nan Soe Phan reported to the Secretary-2 on administrative, academic and staff affairs of the training school, number of trainees and requirements. Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint gave a supplementary report.
After hearing the reports, the Secretary-2 said competent health personnel were being nurtured at the institutes of medicine and nursing and midwifery training schools for the achievement of objective of the health policy of the State. The Secretary-2 urged the health personnel to strive with goodwill for the accomplishment their duties to ensure the long and healthy lives for the public.
Afterwards, the Secretary-2 cordially greeted the medical superintendents, physicians, doctors and nurses.
Next, the Secretary-2 and party proceeded to Kengtung Nursing and Midwifery Training School and inspected the lecture halls, the language lab, the computer lab, the altar room, the demonstration room and teaching and learning activities at the training school. Next, the Secretary-2 cordially greeted the trainees.
Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party inspected the upgrading of sports grounds near Kengtung Degree College on Kengtung-Taunggyi road and gave necessary instructions.
Later, the Secretary-2 and party enjoyed the volleyball match of Kengtung Station Team (A) and (B) of the Kengtung District Volleyball Tournament at the indoor stadium in Kengtung.
On 9 January afternoon, the Secretary-2 and party met with departmental personnel in Shan State (East) at the city hall in the town and gave instructions on taking measures for regional development tasks.
It was attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities and members of social organizations.
First, the commander reported to the Secretary-2 on location, area, climate, land utilization, monsoon paddy cultivated acreage, target for cultivation of summer paddy, sufficiency of rice and edible oil , condition of roads, and economic, education, health and social affairs of Shan State (East).
Next, the Secretary-2 made a speech. He said the nation would be transformed into a democratic one through seven stages. It was clearly stated in the clarification of the seven-points future policy programme of the State by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt on 30 August 2003, he added. There were three important points in transforming the nation into a modern and developed one. The first of them was to ensure the security and stability of the State and rule of law. The second one was the economic development of the State for ensuring the sufficiency of food for the entire people and the third was the literacy of the entire nation to distinguish between right and wrong, he said.
The Tatmadaw government took over the responsibilities of the State in accord with the historical requirement on 18 September 1988. Safeguarding the nation against the deterioration, it laid down three national policies and 12 objectives and strove to build the modern and developed nation through day and night. The security, stability and rule of law were the most important requirements for the nation. Without them, there would be no progress for the nation. All the local people who had undergone internal strife knew it. Therefore, the government had striven to make peace with national race armed groups through negotiations. As a result, 17 armed groups had returned to the legal fold and the entire nation was able to enjoy stability and security, the Secretary-2 said. Kengtung region where people had had to live under fear amid the sound of explosion of guns and bombs, became quite another thing enjoying peace and stability. Only after ensuring peace and stability, development tasks could be carried out. Economy plays an important role in development of the nation. The nation had to place emphasis on agriculture because it lacked technology and investment capable of turning it into an industrialized one, he pointed out.
Therefore, the State had laid down an economic objective taking agriculture as the base for all-round development of other sectors. Agriculture was the basic economic structure of the nation, in which 70 per cent of its people in rural areas were engaged in farming, the Secretary-2 said. For agricultural development the government implemented 155 dams and reservoirs and 265 river water pumping projects spending large sum of money in the regions where there is insufficiency of water. In 1988-89, irrigated areas were 2.52 million and the irrigated acres rose to 5.1 million in 2002-2003. The regions of insufficient water got drinking water and became free from diseases.
He said the government made efforts for sufficiency and surplus of paddy. In 1988, 654 million baskets of paddy were produced and over 1,000 million baskets in 2000-2001. Now efforts are being made for production of 1,200 million baskets of paddy and sufficiency of paddy for the growing population.
He said economic development means not only food sufficiency but also prosperity for high standard of living. Only when an industrialized country can be established will it be prosperous. As is known to all, industrialized nations are rich and their living standard is high. Investments and technicians are needed for industrial development.
Profits gained from agricultural, fish and meat and energy sectors were invested in industrial sector. With the efforts of the government and private sector, 18 industrial zones were established. Light industries such as soap-making machine, oil mill, rice mill and small turbines have developed.
He said conventional farming must be transformed into mechanized farming. By doing so, production cost will become less and the output of agricultural products can also be boosted.
He said human resources are needed for national development. The nation can be built with a large number of intellectuals and intelligentsia. Therefore, the government has laid down border region development projects, 24 region development projects and rural development projects and is implementing them for development.
Besides border areas development, 24 major development regions were designated in the country. The government built universities, computer colleges, technological colleges, 200-bed hospitals, nurses training schools, telegraph offices, post and telephone offices in all parts of the country including Kengtung region, spending a large sum of money for education, health, social and communication development. The government is making arrangements for human resource development to enable the local people to continue their higher learning in their own region at less expense.
There were 32 universities and colleges in the past. There are now 154. The number of university students was over 200,000 in the past. There are now over 700,000 students attending the various courses. In basic education sector, there were over 30,000 schools. There are now over 40,000 schools. The number of school children rose from 5.2 million to 7.5 million.
In health sector, there were only 631 hospitals including 15 specialist hospitals. Now there are 779 including 19 specialist hospitals in all parts of the country. More and more doctors and nurses were appointed. There were 1,268 doctors and 8,349 nurses and now there are 16,570 doctors and 15,482 nurses.
He said health and fitness of the nation and uplift of education are essential for building a new modern developed nation. Therefore the government has drawn short and long term projects for enhancing of health and education standards and is implementing them.
He said narcotic drug issue, an evil legacy of the colonialists, has remained rooted in border areas so far. The narcotic drugs harm dignity of the nation and its people and much suffer individuals. There are many evidences that drug addicts have lost their lives. So, the government has been launching anti-narcotic drug activities as the national task after laying down two strategies and three tactics. It is also implementing 15-year drugs elimination project with the aims of enhancing belief, concepts and uplift of morale of poppy growers, promoting relations among the national races and uplifting of economic and social life of national races in border areas. He urged local people to participate in efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs in cooperation with the government as the national duty.
It is the time to make efforts for emergence of a modern developed democratic nation in accord with the expression "the country will be prosperous if there is unity", removing the misunderstanding among the national races, an evil legacy of divide-and-rule policy of the colonialists and possessing the sense of national races among them, he said.
He said each region of the Union is a small union where national races reside as all national races live together in the Union of Myanmar. He urged the national races to actively participate in their respective roles for success of the seven-point future policies and programmes of the State.
The Secretary-2 then cordially greeted those present.
Chairman of Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein met members of District and Township WVOs and explained organizational set-up of MWVO, agriculture, livestock breeding and production activities of MWVO and participation in efforts for success of the seven-point future policies and programmes of the State.
Member of Panel of Patron of USDA Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein discussed organizational matters in meeting with executives of Shan State (East), District and Township USDAs.
On 10 January, the Secretary-2 met officers and Tatmadawmen of regiments and units under the Kengtung Station and their families and called for participation in implementation of the seven-point future policies and programmes of the State
Region
Lt-Gen Thein Sein offers provisions to members of the Sangha in Kengtung
YANGON, 11 Jan - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended the ceremony to offer rice and provisions to the members of the Sangha of Pariyatti monasteries in Kengtung, Shan State (East) yesterday morning.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Sayadaws of Kengyin, Kengngan, Hokhon, Maukmai, Duya, Datswam Siri, Dhamawdhaya, Jetavum, Sasanavepulla and Theravada missionary monasteries and senior nuns. Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, ministers, deputy ministers, local authorities, wellwishers and guests.
The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddama Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kemasara of Kengyin monastery in Kengtung.
Next, members of the Sangha recited Parittas.
Afterwards, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, ministers and deputy ministers offered provisions to the members of the Sangha.
The Secretary-2 offered cash to senior nuns.
Sayadaw Maha Dhammacariya Maha Gan-dhavacaka Pandita Bhadanta Vijaya delivered a sermon followed by sharing of merits gained and the ceremony came to a close.
The Secretary-2 and party arrived back here in the afternoon.
Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspects Armed Forces Day essay competition
YANGON, 11 Jan - 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Observance Leading Committee Chairman State Peace and Development Council Member Lt-Gen Kyaw Win of the Ministry of Defence this morning inspected the Armed Forces Day commemorative essay competition at basic education middle school level at the BEHS-1 in Mingala Taungnyunt Township and BEHS-4 in Tamway Township here.
At 9 am, he arrived at the Mingala Taungnyunt BEHS-1 and was welcomed by Deputy Minister for Education Col Aung Myo Min, Deputy Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, senior military officers, responsible personnel, departmental personnel and others. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party viewed round the essay competition.
They proceeded to Tarmwe BEHS-4. They were welcomed by the headmistress and teachers. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party viewed round the essay competition and handed over the donation of K 30,000 for the school to Headmistress Daw Hla Sein
Agriculture and regional development tasks inspected
YANGON, 11 Jan - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the construction site of Hsinphon concrete bridge on the road linking Mingaladon and Hlegu Townships this afternoon.
Chairman U Than Myint of Aye Yeik Mon Co reported to the commander on construction of bridges on the road.
The commander also inspected the summer paddy fields near the construction site.
Next, the commander inspected the digging of irrigation canals near Barlar Village in Hlegu Township and fulfilled the requirements.
Afterwards, the commander met with local farmers near the village and urged them to grow summer paddy, pulses and beans, oil crops, and vegetables.
Next, the commander inspected the summer paddy fields on both sides of the road linking Shwenatha and Ngwenatha Villages and summer paddy fields of Yangon Command.
The commander gave necessary instructions.
Minister looks into road, bridge construction tasks in Sagaing, Mandalay divisions
YANGON, 11 Jan - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by officials from the Public Works, on 7 January morning, arrived at Wayluwun monastery in Tiddim, Chin State, to pay homage to Presiding Sayadaw Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Vannasiri. After presenting offertories to the Sayadaw, the minister inspected the Tiddim-Thaingngin road. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Thein Tun of Road Construction Special Group-11 reported on future tasks. The minister then inspected the Kalay-Falam-Haka road and gave instructions.
On 8 January morning, the minister and party left Haka and inspected the Haka-Thantlang road. At Thantlang Township Engineering Office, Chin State Superintending Engineer U Tin Maung Hla and Township Engineer U Man Do Kyeim reported to the minister on road construction tasks and the minister gave instructions.
Afterwards, the minister and party inspected the Thantlang-Falam road section and the Falam-Kalay road section.
On 9 January morning, the minister and party visited the construction site for Panmon Creek Bridge of Road Construction Special Group-11 between mile posts 15/5 and 15/6 on Kalay-Gangaw road. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Thein Tun briefed them on completion of the construction tasks for the bridge and Kyundonhla Bridge between mile posts 32/5 and 32/6 on the road and future tasks. The minister gave instructions on timely completion and meeting the set standards and minimizing of wastage.
In the afternoon, the minister left Kalay for Kalaywa and arrived at Myittha Bridge (Kalaywa) construction site where Chief Engineer U Kyaw Lin reported on completion of the bridge and future tasks.
The minister gave instructions and provided them with necessary materials and machinery. The minister and party inspected earthen works for approach road and bridge construction tasks. The bridge, crossing Myittha river, links Monywa-Yagyi Road and Kalaywa. It can be used for Kalaywa-Kalay-Tamu border trade and will be beneficial to townships on Chin mountain ranges.
Cultural Minister inspects excavation tasks in Mandalay Division
YANGON, 11 Jan - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, accompanied by Archaeology Department Director-General U Nyunt Han and staff officers, on 9 January arrived at Myohla Village in Yamethin Township, Mandalay Division, to inspect Pyu cultural sites in the late Bronze Age and the early Iron Age, being excavated by the Mandalay branch of Archaeology Department (Upper Myanmar).
Director U Moe Kyaw Kyaw of the Mandalay branch reported on excavation tasks around Myohla Village and findings of some human skeletons, Pyu beads, earthen pots and cups.
After viewing the excavated objects, the minister gave instructions and proceeded to ancient foundry in Wayondaw Village about two miles to the west of Myohla Village. On a small hilltop near the village, three big foundries and a lot of lava, lava containing cast iron and stones mixed with iron have been found. The minister viewed human skeletons and iron tools excavated at the Site Nos 1 and 3.
On 10 January morning, the minister visited the excavation site near Pozadaw Village, Thayettaw Village-tract in Tatkon Township. Assistant Director U Myat Swe of Archaeology Department reported the to the minister on the finding of Pyu beads, iron arrow-head, crowbar-like tool for digging and broken earthen pots. The minister said that the findings proved that Myanmar national peoples had settled in Myanmar throughout the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. He gave instructions to continue doing research works and to systematically maintain them.
After viewing the excavated objects, the minister proceeded to ancient Yan Aung Myin Shwelethla Pagoda in Lewe to inspect the damages caused by the earthquake. After presenting K 100,000 towards the funds of the pagoda, he inspected ancient moat and town walls to the north-west of the pagoda. He gave instructions on doing research works to find out the period when they were built.
The minister arrived back here in the evening
Minister inspects factories in Bago Division (West)
YANGON, 11 Jan - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin inspected No 1 Agricultural Factory in Sinde on 9 January. Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries Col Myo Myint reported to the minister on production of farm machinery. After hearing the reports, the minister gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards, the minister viewed round the factory.
The minister inspected No 2 Automobile Plant in Htonbo yesterday. Managing Director U Soe Thein of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries reported to the minister on production of D-70 engines and vehicles. Afterwards, the minister fulfilled the requirements.
Later, the minister proceeded to No-1 Machine Tool Factory in Nyaung-chehtauk. Managing Director U Kyaw Win of Myanma Machine Tool and Electrical Industries reported to the minister on production of machines and wire. Next, the minister gave necessary instructions.
Dinner hosted in honour of medical superintendents and specialists
YANGON, 11 Jan - A dinner was hosted at the hall of Yangon Command Headquarters yesterday evening in honour of medical superintendents and specialists of Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee, who toured the townships performing surgical operations for inborn defuncts.
It was attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Yangon Division MCWSC Patron Daw Khin That Htay, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint and wife, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo and wife, Deputy Commander Col Wai Lwin and wife, military region commanders and their wives, Health Department Director General Dr Wan Maung and wife, Yangon Division PDC members and their wives and chairman of Distract PDCs and their wives.
Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife presented certificates of honour to the medical superintendents and specialists, who performed surgical operations for inborn defuncts. Later, Yangon Division MCWSC hosted the dinner to those present.
Tatmadaw and departmental cars checked on Dry Day
YANGON, 11 Jan - At the main points in Yangon City from 7 am to 5 pm today, the dry day inspection teams checked Tatmadaw and departmental cars and drivers on observance of the dry day disciplines - bearing of dry day passes, drivers' licenses, and wheel taxes, wearing of departmental uniforms by drivers and breaking of traffic rules.
Vice-Chairman of Dry Day Supervisory Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Thein Swe and members Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, Director-Generals Lt-Col Tin Maung Tun and U Khin Maung, Police Brig-Gen Win Soe, senior military officers, directors, Deputy Director-General of the Government's Office U Sein Hla and Commander of Yangon Division Wireless and Traffic Police Force Police Lt-Col Aung Naing, divided into two groups supervised the inspection teams today.
YANGON, 11 Jan - The (2004) 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative military band contest continued at People's Square here today.
Present were senior military officers, guests, students and family members of Tatmadawmen. Well-wisher Gita Uyin U Tin Aye donated 60 books on playing clarinet & trumpet worth K 33,000. Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe accepted the donations. Then, Brig-Gen Hla Shwe presented prizes to the outstanding bands.
Independence Day Exhibition concludes
YANGON, 11 Jan - The 56th Anniversary Independence Day Commemorative Exhibition concluded at the Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road this evening.
At the booths of the Ministry of Industry-1 and the Ministry of Industry-2, products of the industries under the ministry were on display.
Students also took part in computer quiz. News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information opened NPE Book Shop along with the Sarpay Beikman Book Shop of Printing and Publishing Enterprise near the exhibition hall.
Monks, students and the public totalling 6,667 people visited the exhibition today.
Deputy Minister inspects pearl production camps
YANGON, 11 Jan - Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, together with officials, on 8 January, arrived at Myanmar Atlantic joint-venture in Pale Don-aw region in Taninthayi Division where officials reported on progress of pearl production.
The deputy minister gave necessary instructions and viewed stages of oyster reproduction there.
Afterwards, he inspected condition of oysters kept in water, regular cleaning tasks and attended to the requirements.
The deputy minister and party then visited Myanmar Tasaki pearl joint-venture in Domei island, where officials reported on progress of work. The deputy minister praised foreign and Myanmar experts and staff for progress of work and urged them to boost production.
On 9 January morning, they arrived at Myanma pearl production camp in Pale Kyun Gyi where the managing director and officials reported to them on progress of joint-ventures and Myanma pearl industry.
Afterwards, they viewed oyster reproduction carried out by Myanmar experts and culturing pearls in oysters and cultured pearls.
After leaving instructions there, the deputy minister visited the basic education middle school in Pale Kyun Gyi. In the afternoon, local joint-ventures, Orient pearl industry, Myanmar Nino pearl production camp and gave necessary instructions .
Seminar on Publishing continues
YANGON, 11 Jan - The Seminar on Publishing of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association continued for the third day today at the hall of MWJA in Sarpay Beikman building this afternoon.
It was attended by MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairmen News and Periodicals Enterprise Managing Director U Tin Kha (Takatho Tin Kha) and Printing and Publishing Enterprise Managing Director U Myint Thein (Myint Thein Aung), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) and CEC members, Chairman of the work committee for holding the seminar U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) and members, Myanmar Printing and Publishing Entrepreneurs Association Chairman U Maung Maung, resource persons and guests. At the seminar, resource persons submitted thier papers.
The fourth day session of the seminar continues tomorrow.
International Relations
Home Affairs Minister arrives back from Thailand
YANGON, 11 Jan - After attending the fourth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Control of Transnational Crimes and the First ASEAN +3 Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing arrived back here by air this evening.
The minister was welcomed back at the airport by Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister at the Prime Minister's office U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, departmental heads of Myanmar Police Force and departments and family members.
CEC member of UMFCCI leaves for Bangkok
YANGON, 11 Jan - Cenrtral Executive Committee member of the Union of Myanmar Federation of chambers of Commerce and Industry U Tun Aung left here by air for Bangkok, Thailand, to attend the BIMST-EC Business Forum. He was seen off at the airport by UMFCCI Secretary-General U Sein Win Hlaing and officials.
Women's Affairs
MNWAF President meets with members of WAWC in Ayeyawady Division
YANGON, 11 Jan - Officials of the Myanmar National Women's Affairs Federation led by President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Vice-President Daw Khin Lay Thet left here by car on 8 January morning and arrived at the guest house in Pathein at 11 am.
A ceremony to explain the organizational set-up and duties and responsibilities of MNWAF was held at the city hall in Pathein at 1.30 pm.
It was attended by Daw Tin Tin Latt, wife of the commander, members of the Ayeyawady Division Peace and Develop- ment Council, senior military officers, members of the women's affairs supporting committee and Women's Affairs Work Committee, members of the panel of patrons and executives of the Division Women's Affairs Work Committee, members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, members of Township Women's Affairs Committees in Pathein, Hinthada, Myaungmya, Maubin, and Pyapon districts and members of Ward Peace and Development Council in Pathein and Kangyidaunt totalling 450 people.
First, President of the federation Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe made an opening speech. She said they were there to explain the organizational set-up and duties and responsibilities of MNWAF formed, with the aim of carrying out comprehensive tasks related to the women's affairs disscussed by the Prime Minister on 20 December. As Myanmar National Women's Affairs Committee had its limits in covering the comprehensive tasks of women's affairs of the entire nation, the federation had to be formed as a non-governmental organization to fully undertake the tasks in the interest of women and the State, she added. It was certain that all the women would participate in the activities of the federation, she said, urging those present to systematically implement the tasks of the federation.
Next, Secretary of MNWAF Dr Daw San Shwe explained the organizational set-up and matters related to applying for the membership of the federation.
Afterwards, Vice-President Daw Khin Lay Thet explained the duties and responsibilities of educational, health, economic and environmental conservation groups.
Next, leader of the group for prevention of violence against women of MNWAF Daw Kyin San explained the duties and responsibilities of the groups for prevention of violence against women, prevention of trafficking in persons, and nurturing and rehabilitation of women; leader of cultural group Daw Thein Thein Nyunt the duties and responsibilities of the cultural group and working group for girls; leader of communication and information group Daw Mya Mya the duties and responsibilities of communication and information group and national race affairs working group; and leader of disciplinary group Prof Daw Khin Thein Yi the duties and responsibilities of disciplinary group and management and financial group.
Afterward, President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe made concluding remarks.
In the evening, the president and party met with members of Ayeyawady Division Women's Affairs Committee and supporting committee at the guest house of the command. At the meeting, the president and officials replied to the queries concerning the organizational set-up and future tasks of the federation raised by the division committee.
At 1 pm on 10 January, the president and party together with Division WAC Patron Daw Tin Tin Latt met with members of the Women's Affairs Committee, the Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Red Cross Society and students of Ngwehsaung Village.
First, Chairman of Pathein District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Hla Thwin explained matters related to education, health, economic and water and power supply tasks, and job opportunities of the village. At the meeting the president said she was on a tour to carry out organizational matters of MNWAF in the division and, prompted by the wish to cordially meet with the members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Women's Affairs Committee there, she visited the village. It could clearly be seen that the village was developing speedily and situated in the coastal development zone. In addition to the assistance of the State, efforts of the people of all strata including women were required to raise the development momentum. Myanmar National Women's Affairs Committee had made field trips to study the development sector of women in all the states and divisions and fulfilled the requirements of women, she said. Myanmar National Women's Affairs Federation was formed as a non-governmental organization by the State on 20-12-2003. A total of 14 groups representing the 14 sectors in development of women were formed at different levels from states and divisions to wards and villages. In conclusion, she urged those present to participate in the comprehensive tasks of women's affairs.
Next, leader of the group for prevention of violence against women of MNWAF Daw Kyin San explained the salient points for safety and promotion of lives of women and urged those present to help prevent the violence against women that posed barrier to the promotion of lives of women. Later, the chairman of the Village Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Branch) explained the tasks being carried out for women. Afterwards, President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe fulfilled the requirements.
Drug
YANGON, 11 Jan - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Bago Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, on 26 January 2003 searched Htay Oo who got off the train at Phaya Thonzu station on Yangon-Mandalay rail road and seized 1.3064 kilos of marijuana in his rucksack.
Action was taken against Htay Oo (a) Maung Pu, son of U Phyu, of Myoma-4 Extension Ward, Nyaunglaybin under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Nyaunglaybin Police Station.
Htay Oo (a) Maung Pu was sentenced to five years' imprisonment under Section 15 and 25 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) by Bago District Court to serve separately on 20 February 2003.
Likewise, a combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Taunggyi Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, on 6 March 2003 searched the house of Ma San San Myint (a) Ah Tu in Konmyinttha Ward, Mongshu and arrested her together with 7.8374 kilos of raw opium.
Action was taken against Ma San San Myint (a) Ah Tu, daughter of U Li Hsan, of Konmyinttha Ward, Mongshu under Section 15/19(A)/20 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Ah Loisaunghtauk Police Station.
She was sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) by Taunggyi District Court on 1 September 2003.
